Windows 7: Set Up an Inbound Exception in Windows Firewall

When you use a firewall — and you should — you change the way your computer communicates with other computers on the Internet. The firewall blocks all incoming communications unless you set up a specific inbound exception in the Windows firewall to let a program in.

Some of your programs won’t respond until they receive a signal via the Internet. If you have a program that doesn’t poke its own hole through the Windows Firewall, you can tell the firewall to allow packets destined for that specific program — and only that program — in through the firewall.

On the left, click the link labeled Allow a Program or Feature through Windows Firewall.

Windows Firewall presents you with a lengthy list of programs: If a box is checked, it means that Windows Firewall will allow incoming packets of data directed to that program.

The list varies depending on whether you’re connected to a home or work network (a private network) or a public network. There are many programs that won’t be allowed to receive unsolicited packets on a public network, such as Windows Media Player.

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Select the program’s check box depending on the type of network you want to be connected to when you allow the unsolicited incoming data.

It’s rare indeed that you would allow access when connected to a public network but not to a home or work network.

Select the check boxes for your poked-through program. Then Click OK.

In many cases, poking holes through the Windows Firewall doesn’t solve the whole problem. You may have to poke through your modem or router as well. Unfortunately, each router uses a different method for poking holes through their firewall.